U.S. patent application number 12/111820 was filed with the patent office on 2009-10-29 for system and method for testing a solar panel.
This patent application is currently assigned to PINNACLE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.. Invention is credited to Peter T. Rowe, James Ward.
Application Number | 20090267632 12/111820 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41214370 |
Filed Date | 2009-10-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090267632 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rowe; Peter T. ; et
al. |
October 29, 2009 |
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TESTING A SOLAR PANEL
Abstract
A system for testing a solar panel is described.
Inventors: |
Rowe; Peter T.; (San Jose,
CA) ; Ward; James; (San Francisco, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HAYNES AND BOONE, LLP;IP Section
2323 Victory Avenue, Suite 700
Dallas
TX
75219
US
|
Assignee: |
PINNACLE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
San Francisco
CA
|
Family ID: |
41214370 |
Appl. No.: |
12/111820 |
Filed: |
April 29, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
324/764.01 ;
324/649 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H02S 50/10 20141201;
Y02E 10/50 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
324/765 ;
324/649 |
International
Class: |
G01R 31/26 20060101
G01R031/26; G01R 27/00 20060101 G01R027/00 |
Claims
1. A system for testing a first solar panel, the system comprising:
an apparatus adapted to be electrically coupled to the first solar
panel and a second solar panel, the apparatus comprising: a
processor; a memory comprising a plurality of instructions stored
therein and executable by the processor, the plurality of
instructions comprising instructions for calculating a ratio of
respective operating parameters of the first and second solar
panels; and an output device configured to display the ratio of the
respective operating parameters of the first and second solar
panels.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein the apparatus further comprises: a
first load electrically coupled to the processor and adapted to be
electrically coupled to the first solar panel; and a second load
electrically coupled to the processor and adapted to be
electrically coupled to the second solar panel; wherein the
instructions for calculating the ratio of the respective operating
parameters of the first and second solar panels comprise:
instructions for detecting an operating parameter of the first
load; instructions for detecting an operating parameter of the
second load; and instructions for calculating a ratio of the
respective operating parameters of the first and second loads,
wherein the ratio of the respective operating parameters of the
first and second loads corresponds to the ratio of the respective
operating parameters of the first and second solar panels.
3. The system of claim 2 wherein the apparatus further comprises: a
switch electrically coupled to the processor; wherein, when the
first and second solar panels are electrically coupled to the
apparatus, the first and second loads are selectively electrically
coupled to the first and second solar panels, respectively, via the
switch.
4. The system of claim 2 wherein, when the first and second solar
panels are electrically coupled to the first and second loads,
respectively, the second solar panel supplies electrical power to
the processor.
5. The system of claim 2 wherein the respective operating
parameters of the first and second solar panels comprise respective
currents flowing from the first and second solar panels when the
first and second solar panels are electrically coupled to the first
and second loads, respectively; and wherein the respective
operating parameters of the first and second loads comprise
respective voltages across the first and second loads or portions
thereof when the first and second solar panels are electrically
coupled to the first and second loads, respectively.
6. The system of claim 2 wherein the apparatus further comprises: a
switch comprising a plurality of operational positions, each of the
operational positions of the switch corresponding to a maximum
amount of electrical power that can be supplied to the apparatus by
each of the first and second solar panels without harming the
operation of the apparatus.
7. The system of claim 2 wherein the apparatus further comprises: a
first switch electrically coupled to the processor, wherein, when
the first and second solar panels are electrically coupled to the
apparatus, the first and second loads are selectively electrically
coupled to the first and second solar panels, respectively, via the
first switch; a voltage regulator electrically coupled to the
processor and selectively electrically coupled to the second solar
panel via the first switch; first and second transistors
electrically coupled to the processor, wherein, when the first and
second solar panels are electrically coupled to the apparatus, the
first and second transistors are selectively electrically coupled
to the first and second solar panels, respectively, via the first
switch, and the first and second transistors are configured to fix
the output voltages of the first and second solar panels,
respectively; and a second switch electrically coupled to at least
one of the first and second transistors and selectively
electrically coupling the at least one of the first and second
transistors to a plurality of resistors, each of the resistors in
the plurality of resistors corresponding to a maximum amount of
power that can be supplied to the apparatus by at least one of the
first and second solar panels without harming the operation of the
apparatus; wherein the second switch comprises a plurality of
operational positions, each of the operational positions
corresponding to the selective electrical coupling of the at least
one of the first and second transistors to one of the resistors in
the plurality of resistors.
8. The system of claim 1 further comprising: the first solar panel
electrically coupled to the apparatus; and the second solar panel
electrically coupled to the apparatus.
9. The system of claim 1 further comprising: the first solar panel
electrically coupled to the apparatus; and the second solar panel
electrically coupled to the apparatus; wherein the apparatus
further comprises: a first load electrically coupled to the
processor and adapted to be electrically coupled to the first solar
panel; a second load electrically coupled to the processor and
adapted to be electrically coupled to the second solar panel; and a
switch electrically coupled to the processor, wherein the first and
second solar panels are selectively electrically coupled to the
first and second loads, respectively, via the switch; wherein the
instructions for calculating the ratio of the respective operating
parameters of the first and second solar panels comprise:
instructions for detecting an operating parameter of the first
load; instructions for detecting an operating parameter of the
second load; and instructions for calculating a ratio of the
respective operating parameters of the first and second loads, the
ratio of the respective operating parameters of the first and
second loads corresponding to the ratio of the respective operating
parameters of the first and second solar panels; wherein, when the
first and second solar panels are electrically coupled to the first
and second loads, respectively, the second solar panel supplies
electrical power to the processor; the respective operating
parameters of the first and second solar panels comprise respective
currents flowing from the first and second solar panels; and the
respective operating parameters of the first and second loads
comprise respective voltages across the first and second loads or
portions thereof.
10. A method of testing a first solar panel, the method comprising:
electrically coupling the first solar panel to a first load;
electrically coupling a second solar panel to a second load;
calculating a ratio of respective operating parameters of the first
and second solar panels; and displaying the ratio of the respective
operating parameters of the first and second solar panels.
11. The method of claim 10 wherein calculating the ratio of the
respective operating parameters of the first and second solar
panels comprises: detecting an operating parameter of the first
load; detecting an operating parameter of the second load; and
calculating a ratio of the respective operating parameters of the
first and second loads, the ratio of the respective operating
parameters of the first and second loads corresponding to the ratio
of the respective operating parameters of the first and second
solar panels.
12. The method of claim 11 wherein the respective operating
parameters of the first and second solar panels comprise respective
currents flowing from the first and second solar panels; and
wherein the respective operating parameters of the first and second
loads comprise respective voltages across the first and second
loads or portions thereof.
13. The method of claim 10 further comprising: electrically
coupling a processor to the first and second loads; wherein the
processor is powered by the second solar panel; and wherein
calculating the ratio of the respective operating parameters of the
first and second solar panels comprises calculating the ratio of
the respective operating parameters of the first and second solar
panels using the processor.
14. The method of claim 13 wherein displaying the ratio of the
respective operating parameters of the first and second solar
panels comprises electrically coupling an output device to the
processor; and wherein the method further comprises: providing an
apparatus comprising the processor, the first and second loads, and
the output device; and calibrating the apparatus, comprising:
electrically coupling a power supply to the first and second loads;
observing the output of the output device in response to
electrically coupling the power supply to the first and second
loads; and adjusting the output of the output device in response to
observing the output of the output device.
15. The method of claim 13 wherein a circuit is formed by at least
the processor, the first and second solar panels, and the first and
second loads; and wherein the method further comprises: selecting a
maximum of amount of electrical power that can be supplied by at
least one of the first and second solar panels to the circuit
without harming the operation of the circuit.
16. The method of claim 10 further comprising: electrically
coupling a processor to the first and second loads; wherein the
processor is powered by the second solar panel; wherein calculating
the ratio of the respective operating parameters of the first and
second solar panels comprises: detecting an operating parameter of
the first load using the processor; detecting an operating
parameter of the second load using the processor; and calculating a
ratio of the respective operating parameters of the first and
second loads using the processor, the ratio of the respective
operating parameters of the first and second loads corresponding to
the ratio of the respective operating parameters of the first and
second solar panels; wherein the respective operating parameters of
the first and second solar panels comprise respective currents
flowing from the first and second solar panels; wherein the
respective operating parameters of the first and second loads
comprise respective voltages across the first and second loads or
portions thereof; and wherein displaying the ratio of the
respective operating parameters of the first and second solar
panels comprises: electrically coupling an output device to the
processor; and displaying the ratio of the respective operating
parameters of the first and second solar panels using the output
device.
17. A system for testing a first solar panel, the system
comprising: means for electrically coupling the first solar panel
to a first load; means for electrically coupling a second solar
panel to a second load; means for calculating a ratio of respective
operating parameters of the first and second solar panels; and
means for displaying the ratio of the respective operating
parameters of the first and second solar panels.
18. The system of claim 17 wherein means for calculating the ratio
of the respective operating parameters of the first and second
solar panels comprises: means for detecting an operating parameter
of the first load; means for detecting an operating parameter of
the second load; and means for calculating a ratio of the
respective operating parameters of the first and second loads, the
ratio of the respective operating parameters of the first and
second loads corresponding to the ratio of the respective operating
parameters of the first and second solar panels.
19. The system of claim 18 wherein the respective operating
parameters of the first and second solar panels comprise respective
currents flowing from the first and second solar panels; and
wherein the respective operating parameters of the first and second
loads comprise respective voltages across the first and second
loads or portions thereof.
20. The system of claim 17 further comprising: means for
electrically coupling a processor to the first and second loads;
wherein the processor is powered by the second solar panel; and
wherein means for calculating the ratio of the respective operating
parameters of the first and second solar panels comprises means for
calculating the ratio of the respective operating parameters of the
first and second solar panels using the processor.
21. The system of claim 20 wherein means for displaying the ratio
of the respective operating parameters of the first and second
solar panels comprises means for electrically coupling an output
device to the processor; and wherein the system further comprises:
means for providing an apparatus comprising the processor, the
first and second loads, and the output device; and means for
calibrating the apparatus, comprising: means for electrically
coupling a power supply to the first and second loads; means for
observing the output of the output device in response to
electrically coupling the power supply to the first and second
loads; and means for adjusting the output of the output device in
response to observing the output of the output device.
22. The system of claim 20 wherein a circuit is formed by at least
the processor, the first and second solar panels, and the first and
second loads; and wherein the system further comprises: means for
selecting a maximum of amount of electrical power that can be
supplied by at least one of the first and second solar panels to
the circuit without harming the operation of the circuit.
23. The system of claim 17 further comprising: means for
electrically coupling a processor to the first and second loads;
wherein the processor is powered by the second solar panel; and
wherein means for calculating the ratio of the respective operating
parameters of the first and second solar panels comprises: means
for detecting an operating parameter of the first load using the
processor; means for detecting an operating parameter of the second
load using the processor; and means for calculating a ratio of the
respective operating parameters of the first and second loads using
the processor, the ratio of the respective operating parameters of
the first and second loads corresponding to the ratio of the
respective operating parameters of the first and second solar
panels; wherein the respective operating parameters of the first
and second solar panels comprise respective currents flowing from
the first and second solar panels; wherein the respective operating
parameters of the first and second loads comprise respective
voltages across the first and second loads or portions thereof; and
wherein means for displaying the ratio of the respective operating
parameters of the first and second solar panels comprises: means
for electrically coupling an output device to the processor; and
means for displaying the ratio of the respective operating
parameters of the first and second solar panels using the output
device.
24. A computer readable medium comprising a plurality of
instructions stored therein, the plurality of instructions
comprising: instructions for calculating a ratio of respective
operating parameters of first and second solar panels electrically
coupled to first and second loads, respectively; and instructions
for displaying the ratio of the respective operating parameters of
the first and second solar panels.
25. The computer readable medium of claim 24 wherein the
instructions for calculating the ratio of the respective operating
parameters of the first and second solar panels comprise:
instructions for detecting an operating parameter of the first
load; instructions for detecting an operating parameter of the
second load; and instructions for calculating a ratio of the
respective operating parameters of the first and second loads, the
ratio of the respective operating parameters of the first and
second loads corresponding to the ratio of the respective operating
parameters of the first and second solar panels.
26. The computer readable medium of claim 25 wherein the respective
operating parameters of the first and second solar panels comprise
respective currents flowing from the first and second solar panels;
and wherein the respective operating parameters of the first and
second loads comprise respective voltages across the first and
second loads or portions thereof.
27. The computer readable medium of claim 24 wherein a circuit is
formed by at least the first and second solar panels, and the first
and second loads; and wherein the plurality of instructions further
comprises: instructions for selecting a maximum of amount of
electrical power that can be supplied by at least one of the first
and second solar panels to the circuit without harming the
operation of the circuit.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The present disclosure relates in general to solar panels,
and in particular to a system and method for testing a solar
panel.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0002] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a system according to an
exemplary embodiment, the system including a test apparatus
according to an exemplary embodiment, and two solar panels
according to respective exemplary embodiments.
[0003] FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic illustration of the system of FIG.
1 according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0004] FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustration of a method of operating
the system of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0005] FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic illustration of a circuit of which
the test apparatus and solar panels of FIG. 1 are a part, according
to an exemplary embodiment.
[0006] FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustration of a method of
calibrating the system of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary
embodiment, the system including the circuit of FIG. 4.
[0007] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a power supply and the test
apparatus of FIG. 1, according to respective exemplary embodiments,
which are used in the method of FIG. 5.
[0008] FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic illustration of a test apparatus
according to another exemplary embodiment.
[0009] FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic illustration of a node for
implementing one or more exemplary embodiments of the present
disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0010] In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 1, a
system is generally referred to by the reference numeral 10 and
includes a test apparatus 12 and solar panels 14 and 16
electrically coupled thereto. The apparatus 12 includes an
enclosure 18 from which handles 20a and 20b extend, an output
device 22, a switch 24, a terminal board 26 including a positive
terminal 26a and a negative terminal 26b, and a terminal board 28
including a positive terminal 28a and a negative terminal 28b. In
an exemplary embodiment, the output device 22 is, or at least
includes, an analog meter 23 including a needle 23a and a scale 23b
ranging from 0 to 100, or 0% to 100%, as shown in FIG. 1. In
several exemplary embodiments, instead of, or in addition to the
analog meter 23, the output device 22 is, or at least includes, a
graphic display, a digital display, a liquid crystal display, a
printer, a plotter, and/or any combination thereof.
[0011] The solar panel 14 includes a frame 30 and one or more
photovoltaic or solar cells (not shown) coupled thereto, and a
junction box 32 including a positive terminal 32a and a negative
terminal 32b. Likewise, the solar panel 16 includes a frame 34 and
one or more photovoltaic, or solar, cells 35 coupled thereto, and a
junction box 36 including a positive terminal 36a and a negative
terminal 36b. In several exemplary embodiments, one or both of the
solar panels 14 and 16 are adapted to convert solar energy into
electrical power and supply such electrical power to systems and/or
devices used in, for example, oil and gas exploration, development,
and/or production operations, such as, for example, surface
tiltmeter fracture mapping operations, hydraulic impedance testing
operations, reservoir monitoring operations, and/or any combination
thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the solar panel 14 is a new
solar panel that has never been used before in the field, or is a
solar panel that has undergone only minimal use in the field. In an
exemplary embodiment, the solar panel 14 is a solar panel that is
considered to be a "good" solar panel having acceptable operational
integrity and performance. In an exemplary embodiment, the solar
panel 16 is a solar panel that has been used in the field, and is
to be tested in a manner described below. In an exemplary
embodiment, the solar panel 16 is a solar panel having an unknown
degree of operational integrity and performance, and is to be
tested in a manner described below.
[0012] A test lead-in wire 38a electrically couples the positive
terminals 26a and 32a, and a test lead-in wire 38b electrically
couples the negative terminals 26b and 32b. Likewise, a test
lead-in wire 40a electrically couples the positive terminals 28a
and 36a, and a test lead-in wire 40b electrically couples the
negative terminals 28b and 36b.
[0013] In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 2 with
continuing reference to FIG. 1, the test apparatus 12 includes a
processor 42 electrically coupled to the switch 24, the output
device 22, a fixed power load 44, and a fixed power load 46. The
solar panel 14 is selectively electrically coupled to the switch
24, the processor 42, and the fixed power load 44, with the
selective electrical coupling being permitted by, and dependent
upon the position of, the switch 24. Similarly, the solar panel 16
is selectively electrically coupled to the switch 24, the processor
42, and the fixed power load 46, with the selective electrical
coupling being permitted by, and dependent upon the position of,
the switch 24. The processor 42 includes, and/or is operably
coupled to, a computer readable medium or memory 42a in which
instructions accessible to, and executable by, the processor 42 are
stored. In an exemplary embodiment, the processor 42 is in the form
of, and/or includes, a computer, and/or one or more
microcontrollers. In an exemplary embodiment, the processor 42
includes one or more of the following: a computer, a programmable
general purpose controller, an application specific integrated
circuit (ASIC), other controller devices, and/or any combination
thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the switch 24 is a double pole
double throw (DPDT) momentary switch. In an exemplary embodiment,
the switch 24 includes a plurality of switches, with each of the
solar panels 14 and 16 being selectively electrically coupled to at
least one switch in the plurality of switches. In an exemplary
embodiment, each of the power loads 44 and 46 includes one or more
resistors.
[0014] In an exemplary embodiment, the processor 42 is remotely
located from the enclosure 18. In an exemplary embodiment, the
processor 42 is remotely located from the enclosure 18 and is
wireless communication with one or more of the solar panels 14 and
16, the switch 24, the loads 44 and 46, and the output device
22.
[0015] In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 3 with
continuing reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, a method of operating the
system 10 is generally referred to by the reference numeral 48 and
includes electrically coupling the solar panel 14 to the test
apparatus 12 in step 48a, electrically coupling the solar panel 16
to the test apparatus in step 48b, exposing the solar panels 14 and
16 to solar energy in step 48c, activating and holding the switch
24 in step 48d, and, in response to the step 48d, calculating a
ratio of respective currents flowing from the solar panels 14 and
16 and displaying the ratio in step 48e. The ratio is then read in
step 48f, after which the switch 24 is released in step 48g.
[0016] In an exemplary embodiment, to electrically couple the solar
panel 14 to the test apparatus 12 in the step 48a, the test lead-in
wire 38a is electrically coupled to the positive terminals 26a and
32a, and the test lead-in wire 38b is electrically coupled to the
negative terminals 26b and 32b.
[0017] In an exemplary embodiment, to electrically couple the solar
panel 16 to the test apparatus 12 in the step 48b, the test lead-in
wire 40a is electrically coupled to the positive terminals 28a and
36a, and the test lead-in wire 40b is electrically coupled to the
negative terminals 28b and 36b.
[0018] In an exemplary embodiment, to expose the solar panels 14
and 16 to solar energy in the step 48c, the solar panels 14 and 16
are exposed to sunlight under substantially identical conditions.
More particularly, the orientation and angular position of the
solar panel 14 with respect to the sun is substantially identical
to the orientation and angular position of the solar panel 16 with
respect to the sun, and the solar panels 14 and 16 are positioned
so as to be exposed to the same amount of direct sunlight. In an
exemplary embodiment, if necessary, the solar panels 14 and 16 are
cleaned during the step 48c.
[0019] In an exemplary embodiment, to activate and hold the switch
24 in the step 48d, a toggle on the switch 24 is pushed in a
direction opposite its biased direction and the toggle is held in
place. As a result, the solar panel 14 is electrically coupled to
the switch 24, the processor 42 and the fixed power load 44, and
the solar panel 16 is electrically coupled to the switch 24, the
processor 42, and the fixed power load 46.
[0020] In an exemplary embodiment, to calculate the ratio of
respective currents flowing from the solar panel 14 and 16 and
displaying the ratio using the test apparatus 12 in the step 48e,
the amount of current flowing from the solar panel 14 is
determined. More particularly, as a result of the step 48d, the
solar panel 14 supplies electrical power to the fixed power load
44, and the processor 42 reads the amount of electrical current
flowing from the solar panel 14. In addition to determining the
amount of electrical current flowing from the solar panel 14, the
amount of current flowing from the solar panel 16 is also
determined in the step 48e. More particularly, as a result of the
step 48d, the solar panel 16 supplies electrical power to the fixed
power load 46, and the processor reads the amount of electrical
current from the solar panel 16. After the respective amounts of
electrical current flowing from the solar panels 14 and 16 are
determined, the ratio between the respective amounts is calculated
by the processor 42. In an exemplary embodiment, the ratio between
the respective amounts is calculated by the processor 42 using
floating point mathematics. After the ratio is calculated, the
processor 42 outputs one or more signals corresponding to the ratio
to the analog meter 23 and, in response, the needle 23a moves to a
position along the scale, that is, from 0 to 100, thereby
displaying the ratio.
[0021] In an exemplary embodiment, by calculating and displaying
the ratio of respective currents flowing from the solar panels 14
and 16 in the step 48e, a direct comparison between respective
operating parameters of the solar panels 14 and 16 is made. Since
the solar panel 14 is a new solar panel and the solar panel 16 is a
used solar panel, the solar panel 14 is considered a baseline,
reference or benchmark, against which the solar panel 16 is to be
tested or compared, and the execution of the step 48e provides,
inter alia, an indication of the integrity of the internal
electrical connections within the solar panel 16, and an indication
of any operational or performance degradation of the solar panel 16
due to, for example, the use of the solar panel 16 in the field. If
the needle 23a is positioned at or around 100 on the scale 23b,
then the calculated ratio is about 1 and the solar panel 16 has
undergone little or no operational or performance degradation. If
the needle 23a is positioned at or around 0 on the scale 23b, then
the calculated ratio is about 0 and the solar panel 16 has
undergone complete or almost complete operational or performance
degradation. The closer the needle 23a is to 0 on the scale 23b,
then the greater the amount of operational or performance
degradation experienced by the solar panel 16 over time. The closer
the needle 23a is to 100 on the scale 23b, then the lesser the
amount of operational or performance degradation experienced by the
solar panel 16 over time.
[0022] In an exemplary embodiment, to read the ratio in the step
48f, the meter 23 is observed by, for example, a technician or
operator. The position of the needle 23a relative to the scale 23b
unambiguously communicates the degree to which the solar panel 16
has undergone any operational or performance degradation, thereby
permitting the technician or operator to easily and almost
instantaneously, or at least quickly, interpret and ascertain
whether the internal electrical connections of the solar panel 16
are sound, and whether the solar panel 16 has experienced any
operational or performance degradation over time and, if so,
whether the degree of degradation is acceptable. In an exemplary
embodiment, a percentage or number between 0 and 100 is selected as
a threshold value and, if the needle 23a is below this threshold
value on the scale 23b, then the technician or operator replaces
the solar panel 16 with a new, or at least another, solar panel, or
notes that the solar panel 16 should be replaced at a point in time
in the future. In several exemplary embodiments, the threshold
value may be selected based on historical solar panel performance
data, numerical and/or analytic models, the amount of power
supplied by the solar panel 16, other operating conditions or
performance parameters of the solar panel 16, and/or any
combination thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the threshold
value is 10 or 10%, 20 or 20%, 30 or 30%, 40 or 40%, 50 or 50%, 60
or 60%, 70 or 70%, or 80 or 80%. In an exemplary embodiment, the
threshold value is any number or percentage between 0 and 100.
[0023] In an exemplary embodiment, after the ratio is read in the
step 48f, the switch 24 is released in the step 48g, as noted
above. As a result, the solar panels 14 and 16 no longer supply
electrical power to the loads 44 and 46, respectively.
[0024] In an exemplary embodiment, during the step 48e, the
apparatus 12 including the processor 42 is powered by the solar
panel 14 and, as a result, the system 10 is self-powered. In an
exemplary embodiment, the apparatus 12 including the processor 42
is powered using a relatively small amount of power from the solar
panel 14, which amount of power does not substantially affect the
accuracy of the ratio calculated in the step 48e. In an exemplary
embodiment, the processor 42 is powered by the solar panel 14 in
response to the step 48d, continues to be powered by the solar
panel 14 during the steps 48f and 48g, and is no longer powered by
the solar panel 14 in response to the step 48g. In an exemplary
embodiment, during the step 48e, instead of, or in addition to the
solar panel 14, the processor 42 is powered by the solar panel 16,
one or more other power sources, and/or any combination thereof. In
an exemplary embodiment, to read the amount of current flowing from
each of the solar panels 14 and 16 in the step 48e and to calculate
the above-described ratio, inter alia, the processor 42 executes
one or more instructions stored in the computer readable medium
42a, another computer readable medium or memory module, and/or
other computer readable media.
[0025] In several exemplary embodiments, during the step 48e,
instead of, or in addition to the ratio of the respective amounts
of electrical current flowing from the solar panels 14 and 16, one
or more other ratios of respective operating parameters of the
solar panels 14 and 16 are calculated, such as, for example, a
ratio of respective output voltages of the solar panels 14 and 16,
a ratio of respective amounts of electrical power supplied by the
solar panels 14 and 16, and/or any combination thereof.
[0026] In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 4 with
continuing reference to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the system 10 includes a
circuit, which is generally referred to by the reference numeral 50
and includes the solar panels 14 and 16, the switch 24 in the form
of a DPDT switch to which the solar panels 14 and 16 are
selectively electrically coupled, the processor 42, the loads 44
and 46, and the meter 23.
[0027] As shown in FIG. 4, the circuit 50 further includes
transistors 52 and 54, which are selectively electrically coupled
to the solar panels 14 and 16, respectively, via the switch 24.
Zener diodes 56 and 58 are electrically coupled to the transistors
52 and 54, respectively. Resistors 59a and 59b are electrically
coupled to the transistors 52 and 54, respectively. The processor
42 is electrically coupled to each of the transistors 52 and 54. A
voltage regulator 60 is selectively electrically coupled to the
solar panel 14 via the switch 24. The load 44 includes a resistor
62, which is electrically coupled to the processor 42. Similarly,
the load 46 includes a resistor 64, which is electrically coupled
to the processor 42. A digital/analog (D/A) converter 66 is
electrically coupled to the processor 42. A series resistor 68 is
electrically coupled to the D/A converter 66, and a potentiometer
70 is electrically coupled to the resistor 68. The meter 23 is
electrically coupled to the potentiometer 70. The processor 42
includes a programmable microcontroller 72 including a computer
readable medium having a plurality of instructions stored therein,
and further including one or more analog/digital (A/D)
converters.
[0028] In operation, in an exemplary embodiment, the circuit 50
implements one or more of the steps of the method 48. After the
steps 48a, 48b and 48c, the switch 24 is pushed and held in the
step 48d, as described above, and, as a result, the circuit 50
calculates the ratio of respective currents flowing from the solar
panels 14 and 16 and displays the ratio in the step 48e.
[0029] More particularly, during the step 48e, and in response to
the pushing and holding of the switch 24 in the step 48d, the solar
panels 14 and 16 supply electrical power to the transistors 52 and
54, respectively. The transistors 52 and 54 fix the output voltages
of the solar panels 14 and 16, respectively. In an exemplary
embodiment, each of the zener diodes 56 and 58 is a six-volt zener
diode, and the transistors 52 and 54 fix the output voltage of each
of the solar panels 14 and 16, respectively, at 7.2 volts, which is
two base-emitter voltage drops above each of the six-volt zener
diodes 56 and 58. The solar panel 14 powers the microcontroller 72,
with the voltage regulator 60 maintaining the supply voltage to the
microcontroller 72. The microcontroller 72 detects the respective
voltages across the resistors 62 and 64, converts the voltages into
respective digital words, and then performs a floating point
division on the two words to thereby obtain a ratio between the two
words, which ratio corresponds to the ratio between the respective
currents flowing from the solar panels 14 and 16. The
microcontroller 72 then scales the ratio between the two words to
fit in an eight-bit byte, and sends the eight-bit byte to the D/A
converter 66. In response, the D/A converter 66 converts the
eight-bit byte and drives the meter 23 directly through the series
resistor 68 and the potentiometer 70. As a result, the position of
the needle 23a relative to the scale 23b of the meter 23
corresponds to the ratio calculated by the microcontroller 72,
which, in turn, corresponds to the ratio of the respective currents
flowing from the solar panels 14 and 16.
[0030] In an exemplary embodiment, since the output voltages of the
solar panels 14 and 16 are fixed by the transistors 52 and 54,
respectively, the currents that flow through the resistors 62 and
64 are directly proportional to the electrical power supplied by
the solar panels 14 and 16, respectively. In an exemplary
embodiment, since the voltages across the resistors 62 and 64 are
directly proportional to the currents that flow through the
resistors 62 and 64, respectively, the voltages across the
resistors 62 and 64 are directly proportional to the electrical
power supplied by the solar panels 14 and 16, respectively.
[0031] In an exemplary embodiment, during the steps 48e and 48f and
while being powered by the solar panel 14, the microcontroller 72
continuously executes its instructions stored therein, thereby
continuously repeating its above-described operation, including one
or more of detecting respective voltages across the resistors 62
and 64, converting the voltages into respective digital words,
obtaining a ratio between the two words, scaling the ratio to fit
in an eight-bit byte, and sending the eight-bit byte to the D/A
converter 66, until the switch 24 is released in the step 48g, at
which point the microcontroller 72 is no longer powered.
[0032] In an exemplary embodiment, during the above-described
operation of the circuit 50, the maximum amount of wattage or power
that can be supplied by each of the solar panels 14 and 16, without
harming the circuit 50 or its above-described operation, is limited
by the electrical resistance provided by the resistors 59a and 59b,
respectively. In an exemplary embodiment, the electrical resistance
provided by each of the resistors 59a and 59b is two ohms, and the
maximum amount of wattage or power that can be supplied by each of
the solar panels 14 and 16, without harming the circuit 50 or its
above-described operation, is ten watts.
[0033] In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6
with continuing reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4, a method of
calibrating the apparatus 12 is generally referred to by the
reference numeral 74 and includes, in step 74a, determining whether
the needle 23a of the meter 23 points to zero on the scale 23b.
During the step 74a, the apparatus 12 is not electrically coupled
to any source of electrical power, including the solar panel 14,
the solar panel 16, any type of power supply, or any other type of
source of electrical power.
[0034] If it is determined in the step 74a that the needle 23a does
not point to zero on the scale 23b, then the needle 23a is set to
zero on the scale 23b in step 74b. In an exemplary embodiment, to
set the needle 23a to zero on the scale 23b in the step 74b, an
adjusting screw (not shown) on the face of the meter 23 is turned.
The steps 74a and 74b are repeated until it is determined in the
step 74a that the needle 23a points to zero on the scale 23b.
[0035] If it is determined in the step 74a that the needle 23a
points to zero on the scale 23b, then, in step 74c, a power supply
76 (FIG. 6) including a positive output 76a and a negative output
76b is provided, and the voltage and current limit of the power
supply 76 are set. In an exemplary embodiment, in the step 74c, the
power supply 76 is set to twelve volts, and the current limit is
set to two amps.
[0036] After the step 74c, the test lead-in wires 38a and 40a are
electrically coupled together and to the positive output 76a of the
power supply 76 in step 74d, as shown in FIG. 6. After the step
74d, the test lead-in wires 38b and 40b are electrically coupled
together and to the negative output 76b of the power supply 76 in
step 74e, as shown in FIG. 6.
[0037] After the steps 74d and 74e, the switch 24 is activated and
held in step 74f, in a manner substantially similar to the manner
described above with reference to the step 48d of the method 48. As
a result, a ratio of respective voltages across the power loads 44
and 46 is calculated and displayed using the apparatus 12, in
accordance with the foregoing. In an exemplary embodiment, the
ratio of the respective voltages across the resistors 62 and 64 is
calculated and displayed using the circuit 50, with the power
supply 76 being substituted for both of the solar panels 14 and 16
in the circuit 50. In an exemplary embodiment, in response to the
activation and holding of the switch 24 in the step 74f, the
voltage on the power supply 76 drops from twelve to about
seven-and-a-half volts, and the current is at about two amps.
[0038] As a result of the step 74f, the needle 23a moves relative
to the scale 23b, and it is determined in step 74g whether the
needle 23a points to 100 on the scale 23b. If not, then the needle
23a is set to 100 on the scale 23b in step 74h. In an exemplary
embodiment, to set the needle 23a to 100 on the scale 23b in the
step 74h, the potentiometer 70 of the circuit 50 is adjusted until
the needle 23a points to 100 on the scale 23b, thereby calibrating
the apparatus 12. The steps 74g and 74h are repeated until it is
determined in the step 74g that the needle 23a points to 100 on the
scale 23b, thereby confirming the calibration of the apparatus
12.
[0039] If it is determined in the step 74g that the needle 23a
points to 100 on the scale 23b, then the calibration of the
apparatus 12 is confirmed and the switch 24 is released in step
74i.
[0040] In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 7 with
continuing reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, the apparatus 12
further includes a rotary switch 78 engaged with the enclosure 18
and including operational positions 78a, 78b and 78c, and the
circuit 50 further includes the switch 78, resistors 82a and 82b,
and resistors 84a and 84b. Each of the resistors 59a, 82a and 84a
is selectively electrically coupled to the transistor 52 via the
switch 78. Similarly, each of the resistors 59b, 82b and 84b is
selectively electrically coupled to the transistor 54 via the
switch 78.
[0041] During the above-described operation of the circuit 50, in
an exemplary embodiment, the operational position of the switch 78
determines the maximum amount of wattage or power that can be
supplied by each of the solar panels 14 and 16, without harming the
circuit 50 or its above-described operation. If the switch 78 is in
the operational position 78a, then the resistors 59a and 59b are
electrically coupled to the transistors 52 and 54, respectively,
and the maximum wattage or power that can be supplied by each of
the solar panels 14 and 16 is a certain value. If the switch 78 is
in the operational position 78b, then the resistors 82a and 82b are
electrically coupled to the transistors 52 and 54, respectively,
and the maximum wattage or power that can be supplied by each of
the solar panels 14 and 16 is another value. If the switch 78 is in
the operational position 78c, then the resistors 84a and 84b are
electrically coupled to the transistors 52 and 54, respectively,
and the maximum wattage or power that can be supplied by each of
the solar panels 14 and 16 is yet another value.
[0042] In an exemplary embodiment, the electrical resistance
provided by each of the resistors 59a and 59b is two ohms and, when
the switch 78 is in the operational position 78a, the maximum
amount of wattage or power that can be supplied by each of the
solar panels 14 and 16, without harming the circuit 50 or its
above-described operation, is ten watts. In an exemplary
embodiment, the electrical resistance provided by each of the
resistors 82a and 82b is one ohm and, when the switch 78 is in the
operational position 78b, the maximum amount of wattage or power
that can be supplied by each of the solar panels 14 and 16, without
harming the circuit 50 or its above-described operation, is twenty
watts. In an exemplary embodiment, the electrical resistance
provided by each of the resistors 84a and 84b is 0.4 ohms and, when
the switch 78 is in the operational position 78c, the maximum
amount of wattage or power that can be supplied by each of the
solar panels 14 and 16, without harming the circuit 50 or its
above-described operation, is fifty watts.
[0043] In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus 12 includes one or
more heat sinks disposed within the enclosure 18 and/or coupled to
an external surface of the enclosure 18, which one or more heat
sinks dissipate any heat generated by one or more components of the
circuit 50, such as, for example, one or more of the resistors 59a,
59b, 82a, 82b, 84a and 84b. In an exemplary embodiment, the
apparatus 12 includes a plurality of fins integrally formed with
the enclosure 18, which fins dissipate any heat generated by one or
more components of the circuit 50, such as, for example, one or
more of the resistors 59a, 59b, 82a, 82b, 84a and 84b.
[0044] In an exemplary embodiment, each of the solar panels 14 and
16 is a single photovoltaic or solar cell. In an exemplary
embodiment, each of the solar panels 14 and 16 is a single
photovoltaic or solar cell, and does not include a frame. In an
exemplary embodiment, each of the solar panels 14 and 16 includes
one or more photovoltaic or solar cells. In an exemplary
embodiment, instead of, or in addition to a panel, each of the
solar panels 14 and 16 is in the shape, or form, of any type of
solar module, array, device, etc. In an exemplary embodiment,
instead of, or in addition to a frame and/or a junction box, each
of the solar panels 14 and 16 includes other components,
assemblies, systems, devices, etc.
[0045] In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 8 with
continuing reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7, an
illustrative node 86 for implementing one or more embodiments of
one or more of the above-described elements, methods and/or steps,
and/or any combination thereof, is depicted. The node 86 includes a
microprocessor 86a, an input device 86b, a storage device 86c, a
video controller 86d, a system memory 86e, a display 86f, and a
communication device 86g, all of which are interconnected by one or
more buses 86h. In several exemplary embodiments, the storage
device 86c may include a floppy drive, hard drive, CD-ROM, optical
drive, any other form of storage device and/or any combination
thereof. In several exemplary embodiments, the storage device 86c
may include, and/or be capable of receiving, a floppy disk, CD-ROM,
DVD-ROM, or any other form of computer readable medium that may
contain executable instructions. In several exemplary embodiments,
the communication device 86g may include a modem, network card, or
any other device to enable the node to communicate with other
nodes. In several exemplary embodiments, any node represents a
plurality of interconnected (whether by intranet or Internet)
computer systems, including without limitation, personal computers,
mainframes, PDAs, and cellular telephones.
[0046] In an exemplary embodiment, the method 48 is implemented, at
least in part, using the node 86 and/or one or more components
thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the method 74 is implemented,
at least in part, using the node 86 and/or one or more components
thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the method 48 is combined in
whole or in part with the method 74, and the combination is
implemented, at least in part, using the node 86 and/or one or more
components thereof.
[0047] In several exemplary embodiments, a computer system
typically includes at least hardware capable of executing machine
readable instructions, as well as the software for executing acts
(typically machine-readable instructions) that produce a desired
result. In several exemplary embodiments, a computer system may
include hybrids of hardware and software, as well as computer
sub-systems.
[0048] In several exemplary embodiments, hardware generally
includes at least processor-capable platforms, such as
client-machines (also known as personal computers or servers), and
hand-held processing devices (such as smart phones, personal
digital assistants (PDAs), or personal computing devices (PCDs),
for example). In several exemplary embodiments, hardware may
include any physical device that is capable of storing
machine-readable instructions, such as memory or other data storage
devices. In several exemplary embodiments, other forms of hardware
include hardware sub-systems, including transfer devices such as
modems, modem cards, ports, and port cards, for example.
[0049] In several exemplary embodiments, software includes any
machine code stored in any memory medium, such as RAM or ROM, and
machine code stored on other devices (such as floppy disks, flash
memory, or a CD ROM, for example). In several exemplary
embodiments, software may include source or object code. In several
exemplary embodiments, software encompasses any set of instructions
capable of being executed on a node such as, for example, on a
client machine or server.
[0050] In several exemplary embodiments, combinations of software
and hardware could also be used for providing enhanced
functionality and performance for certain embodiments of the
present disclosure. In an exemplary embodiment, software functions
may be directly manufactured into a silicon chip. Accordingly, it
should be understood that combinations of hardware and software are
also included within the definition of a computer system and are
thus envisioned by the present disclosure as possible equivalent
structures and equivalent methods.
[0051] In several exemplary embodiments, computer readable mediums
include, for example, passive data storage, such as a random access
memory (RAM) as well as semi-permanent data storage such as a
compact disk read only memory (CD-ROM). One or more exemplary
embodiments of the present disclosure may be embodied in the RAM of
a computer to transform a standard computer into a new specific
computing machine.
[0052] In several exemplary embodiments, data structures are
defined organizations of data that may enable an embodiment of the
present disclosure. In an exemplary embodiment, a data structure
may provide an organization of data, or an organization of
executable code. In several exemplary embodiments, data signals
could be carried across transmission mediums and store and
transport various data structures, and, thus, may be used to
transport an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0053] In several exemplary embodiments, any networks described
above may be designed to work on any specific architecture, and may
be executed on a single computer, local area networks,
client-server networks, wide area networks, internets, hand-held
and other portable and wireless devices and networks.
[0054] In several exemplary embodiments, a database may be any
standard or proprietary database software, such as Oracle,
Microsoft Access, SyBase, or DBase II, for example. In several
exemplary embodiments, the database may have fields, records, data,
and other database elements that may be associated through database
specific software. In several exemplary embodiments, data may be
mapped. In several exemplary embodiments, mapping is the process of
associating one data entry with another data entry. In an exemplary
embodiment, the data contained in the location of a character file
can be mapped to a field in a second table. In several exemplary
embodiments, the physical location of the database is not limiting,
and the database may be distributed. In an exemplary embodiment,
the database may exist remotely from the server, and run on a
separate platform. In an exemplary embodiment, the database may be
accessible across the Internet. In several exemplary embodiments,
more than one database may be implemented.
[0055] A system for testing a first solar panel has been described
that includes an apparatus adapted to be electrically coupled to
the first solar panel and a second solar panel, the apparatus
comprising a processor; a memory comprising a plurality of
instructions stored therein and executable by the processor, the
plurality of instructions comprising instructions for calculating a
ratio of respective operating parameters of the first and second
solar panels; and an output device configured to display the ratio
of the respective operating parameters of the first and second
solar panels. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further
comprises a first load electrically coupled to the processor and
adapted to be electrically coupled to the first solar panel; and a
second load electrically coupled to the processor and adapted to be
electrically coupled to the second solar panel; wherein the
instructions for calculating the ratio of the respective operating
parameters of the first and second solar panels comprise
instructions for detecting an operating parameter of the first
load; instructions for detecting an operating parameter of the
second load; and instructions for calculating a ratio of the
respective operating parameters of the first and second loads,
wherein the ratio of the respective operating parameters of the
first and second loads corresponds to the ratio of the respective
operating parameters of the first and second solar panels. In an
exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a switch
electrically coupled to the processor; wherein, when the first and
second solar panels are electrically coupled to the apparatus, the
first and second loads are selectively electrically coupled to the
first and second solar panels, respectively, via the switch. In an
exemplary embodiment, when the first and second solar panels are
electrically coupled to the first and second loads, respectively,
the second solar panel supplies electrical power to the processor.
In an exemplary embodiment, the respective operating parameters of
the first and second solar panels comprise respective currents
flowing from the first and second solar panels when the first and
second solar panels are electrically coupled to the first and
second loads, respectively; and wherein the respective operating
parameters of the first and second loads comprise respective
voltages across the first and second loads or portions thereof when
the first and second solar panels are electrically coupled to the
first and second loads, respectively. In an exemplary embodiment,
the apparatus further comprises a switch comprising a plurality of
operational positions, each of the operational positions of the
switch corresponding to a maximum amount of electrical power that
can be supplied to the apparatus by each of the first and second
solar panels without harming the operation of the apparatus. In an
exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a first
switch electrically coupled to the processor, wherein, when the
first and second solar panels are electrically coupled to the
apparatus, the first and second loads are selectively electrically
coupled to the first and second solar panels, respectively, via the
first switch; a voltage regulator electrically coupled to the
processor and selectively electrically coupled to the second solar
panel via the first switch; first and second transistors
electrically coupled to the processor, wherein, when the first and
second solar panels are electrically coupled to the apparatus, the
first and second transistors are selectively electrically coupled
to the first and second solar panels, respectively, via the first
switch, and the first and second transistors are configured to fix
the output voltages of the first and second solar panels,
respectively; and a second switch electrically coupled to at least
one of the first and second transistors and selectively
electrically coupling the at least one of the first and second
transistors to a plurality of resistors, each of the resistors in
the plurality of resistors corresponding to a maximum amount of
power that can be supplied to the apparatus by at least one of the
first and second solar panels without harming the operation of the
apparatus; wherein the second switch comprises a plurality of
operational positions, each of the operational positions
corresponding to the selective electrical coupling of the at least
one of the first and second transistors to one of the resistors in
the plurality of resistors. In an exemplary embodiment, the system
comprises the first solar panel electrically coupled to the
apparatus; and the second solar panel electrically coupled to the
apparatus. In an exemplary embodiment, the system comprises the
first solar panel electrically coupled to the apparatus; and the
second solar panel electrically coupled to the apparatus; wherein
the apparatus further comprises a first load electrically coupled
to the processor and adapted to be electrically coupled to the
first solar panel; a second load electrically coupled to the
processor and adapted to be electrically coupled to the second
solar panel; and a switch electrically coupled to the processor,
wherein the first and second solar panels are selectively
electrically coupled to the first and second loads, respectively,
via the switch; wherein the instructions for calculating the ratio
of the respective operating parameters of the first and second
solar panels comprise instructions for detecting an operating
parameter of the first load; instructions for detecting an
operating parameter of the second load; and instructions for
calculating a ratio of the respective operating parameters of the
first and second loads, the ratio of the respective operating
parameters of the first and second loads corresponding to the ratio
of the respective operating parameters of the first and second
solar panels; wherein, when the first and second solar panels are
electrically coupled to the first and second loads, respectively,
the second solar panel supplies electrical power to the processor;
the respective operating parameters of the first and second solar
panels comprise respective currents flowing from the first and
second solar panels; and the respective operating parameters of the
first and second loads comprise respective voltages across the
first and second loads or portions thereof.
[0056] A method of testing a first solar panel has been described
that includes electrically coupling the first solar panel to a
first load; electrically coupling a second solar panel to a second
load; calculating a ratio of respective operating parameters of the
first and second solar panels; and displaying the ratio of the
respective operating parameters of the first and second solar
panels. In an exemplary embodiment, calculating the ratio of the
respective operating parameters of the first and second solar
panels comprises detecting an operating parameter of the first
load; detecting an operating parameter of the second load; and
calculating a ratio of the respective operating parameters of the
first and second loads, the ratio of the respective operating
parameters of the first and second loads corresponding to the ratio
of the respective operating parameters of the first and second
solar panels. In an exemplary embodiment, the respective operating
parameters of the first and second solar panels comprise respective
currents flowing from the first and second solar panels; and
wherein the respective operating parameters of the first and second
loads comprise respective voltages across the first and second
loads or portions thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the method
comprises electrically coupling a processor to the first and second
loads; wherein the processor is powered by the second solar panel;
and wherein calculating the ratio of the respective operating
parameters of the first and second solar panels comprises
calculating the ratio of the respective operating parameters of the
first and second solar panels using the processor. In an exemplary
embodiment, displaying the ratio of the respective operating
parameters of the first and second solar panels comprises
electrically coupling an output device to the processor; and
wherein the method further comprises providing an apparatus
comprising the processor, the first and second loads, and the
output device; and calibrating the apparatus, comprising
electrically coupling a power supply to the first and second loads;
observing the output of the output device in response to
electrically coupling the power supply to the first and second
loads; and adjusting the output of the output device in response to
observing the output of the output device. In an exemplary
embodiment, a circuit is formed by at least the processor, the
first and second solar panels, and the first and second loads; and
wherein the method further comprises selecting a maximum of amount
of electrical power that can be supplied by at least one of the
first and second solar panels to the circuit without harming the
operation of the circuit. In an exemplary embodiment, the method
comprises electrically coupling a processor to the first and second
loads; wherein the processor is powered by the second solar panel;
wherein calculating the ratio of the respective operating
parameters of the first and second solar panels comprises detecting
an operating parameter of the first load using the processor;
detecting an operating parameter of the second load using the
processor; and calculating a ratio of the respective operating
parameters of the first and second loads using the processor, the
ratio of the respective operating parameters of the first and
second loads corresponding to the ratio of the respective operating
parameters of the first and second solar panels; wherein the
respective operating parameters of the first and second solar
panels comprise respective currents flowing from the first and
second solar panels; wherein the respective operating parameters of
the first and second loads comprise respective voltages across the
first and second loads or portions thereof; and wherein displaying
the ratio of the respective operating parameters of the first and
second solar panels comprises electrically coupling an output
device to the processor; and displaying the ratio of the respective
operating parameters of the first and second solar panels using the
output device.
[0057] A system for testing a first solar panel has been described
that includes means for electrically coupling the first solar panel
to a first load; means for electrically coupling a second solar
panel to a second load; means for calculating a ratio of respective
operating parameters of the first and second solar panels; and
means for displaying the ratio of the respective operating
parameters of the first and second solar panels. In an exemplary
embodiment, means for calculating the ratio of the respective
operating parameters of the first and second solar panels comprises
means for detecting an operating parameter of the first load; means
for detecting an operating parameter of the second load; and means
for calculating a ratio of the respective operating parameters of
the first and second loads, the ratio of the respective operating
parameters of the first and second loads corresponding to the ratio
of the respective operating parameters of the first and second
solar panels. In an exemplary embodiment, the respective operating
parameters of the first and second solar panels comprise respective
currents flowing from the first and second solar panels; and
wherein the respective operating parameters of the first and second
loads comprise respective voltages across the first and second
loads or portions thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the system
comprises means for electrically coupling a processor to the first
and second loads; wherein the processor is powered by the second
solar panel; and wherein means for calculating the ratio of the
respective operating parameters of the first and second solar
panels comprises means for calculating the ratio of the respective
operating parameters of the first and second solar panels using the
processor. In an exemplary embodiment, means for displaying the
ratio of the respective operating parameters of the first and
second solar panels comprises means for electrically coupling an
output device to the processor; and wherein the system further
comprises means for providing an apparatus comprising the
processor, the first and second loads, and the output device; and
means for calibrating the apparatus, comprising means for
electrically coupling a power supply to the first and second loads;
means for observing the output of the output device in response to
electrically coupling the power supply to the first and second
loads; and means for adjusting the output of the output device in
response to observing the output of the output device. In an
exemplary embodiment, a circuit is formed by at least the
processor, the first and second solar panels, and the first and
second loads; and wherein the system further comprises means for
selecting a maximum of amount of electrical power that can be
supplied by at least one of the first and second solar panels to
the circuit without harming the operation of the circuit. In an
exemplary embodiment, the system comprises means for electrically
coupling a processor to the first and second loads; wherein the
processor is powered by the second solar panel; and wherein means
for calculating the ratio of the respective operating parameters of
the first and second solar panels comprises means for detecting an
operating parameter of the first load using the processor; means
for detecting an operating parameter of the second load using the
processor; and means for calculating a ratio of the respective
operating parameters of the first and second loads using the
processor, the ratio of the respective operating parameters of the
first and second loads corresponding to the ratio of the respective
operating parameters of the first and second solar panels; wherein
the respective operating parameters of the first and second solar
panels comprise respective currents flowing from the first and
second solar panels; wherein the respective operating parameters of
the first and second loads comprise respective voltages across the
first and second loads or portions thereof; and wherein means for
displaying the ratio of the respective operating parameters of the
first and second solar panels comprises means for electrically
coupling an output device to the processor; and means for
displaying the ratio of the respective operating parameters of the
first and second solar panels using the output device.
[0058] A computer readable medium has been described that includes
a plurality of instructions stored therein, the plurality of
instructions comprising instructions for calculating a ratio of
respective operating parameters of first and second solar panels
electrically coupled to first and second loads, respectively; and
instructions for displaying the ratio of the respective operating
parameters of the first and second solar panels. In an exemplary
embodiment, the instructions for calculating the ratio of the
respective operating parameters of the first and second solar
panels comprise instructions for detecting an operating parameter
of the first load; instructions for detecting an operating
parameter of the second load; and instructions for calculating a
ratio of the respective operating parameters of the first and
second loads, the ratio of the respective operating parameters of
the first and second loads corresponding to the ratio of the
respective operating parameters of the first and second solar
panels. In an exemplary embodiment, the respective operating
parameters of the first and second solar panels comprise respective
currents flowing from the first and second solar panels; and
wherein the respective operating parameters of the first and second
loads comprise respective voltages across the first and second
loads or portions thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, a circuit is
formed by at least the first and second solar panels, and the first
and second loads; and wherein the plurality of instructions further
comprises instructions for selecting a maximum of amount of
electrical power that can be supplied by at least one of the first
and second solar panels to the circuit without harming the
operation of the circuit.
[0059] It is understood that variations may be made in the
foregoing without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For
example, instead of, or in addition to oil and gas exploration,
development, and/or production operations, one or more of the
above-described systems, devices and/or methods, and/or any
combination thereof, may be employed in other applications,
operations, and/or environments, such as, for example,
telecommunication applications, electricity-related applications,
or any environment utilizing one or more solar cells. Furthermore,
the elements and teachings of the various illustrative exemplary
embodiments may be combined in whole or in part in some or all of
the illustrative exemplary embodiments. In addition, one or more of
the elements and teachings of the various illustrative exemplary
embodiments may be omitted, at least in part, and/or combined, at
least in part, with one or more of the other elements and teachings
of the various illustrative embodiments.
[0060] Any spatial references such as, for example, "upper,"
"lower," "above," "below," "between," "bottom," "vertical,"
"horizontal," "angular," "upwards," "downwards," "side-to-side,"
"left-to-right," "right-to-left," "top-to-bottom," "bottom-to-top,"
"top," "bottom," "bottom-up," "top-down," etc., are for the purpose
of illustration only and do not limit the specific orientation or
location of the structure described above.
[0061] In several exemplary embodiments, while different steps,
processes, and procedures are described as appearing as distinct
acts, one or more of the steps, one or more of the processes,
and/or one or more of the procedures may also be performed in
different orders, simultaneously and/or sequentially. In several
exemplary embodiments, the steps, processes and/or procedures may
be merged into one or more steps, processes and/or procedures.
[0062] In several exemplary embodiments, one or more of the
operational steps in each embodiment may be omitted. Moreover, in
some instances, some features of the present disclosure may be
employed without a corresponding use of the other features.
Moreover, one or more of the above-described embodiments and/or
variations may be combined in whole or in part with any one or more
of the other above-described embodiments and/or variations.
[0063] Although several exemplary embodiments have been described
in detail above, the embodiments described are exemplary only and
are not limiting, and those skilled in the art will readily
appreciate that many other modifications, changes and/or
substitutions are possible in the exemplary embodiments without
materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the
present disclosure. Accordingly, all such modifications, changes
and/or substitutions are intended to be included within the scope
of this disclosure as defined in the following claims. In the
claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the
structures described herein as performing the recited function and
not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent
structures.
* * * * *